Charming Croatia

Welcome to to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s most famous city. Upon arrival Dubrovnik Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, this evening enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.

Today, we embark on a delightful exploration of Dubrovnik, famously known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Our day begins with a guided walking tour through Old Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the charming streets and marvel at the architectural wonders that blend Gothic and Renaissance styles. Visit the Rector's Palace, an exceptional example of this fusion, and admire the monumental Sponza Palace, situated beneath the City Bell Tower on Luza Square. Pause to take in the historic Orlando Tower and step into the serene Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe. Conclude the tour with a walk along the iconic Dubrovnik city walls, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the city's red-tiled rooftops.

Following the tour, enjoy some free time to explore the old town at your leisure. Whether you choose to visit the Cathedral, take a boat ride to Lokrum Island, or ascend Mount Srd via cable car for stunning panoramic views, the choice is yours.

In the afternoon, unwind at your hotel before we gather for a special dinner on the beach with a picturesque view of the old town. Delight in the traditional sounds of Dalmatian klapa singers and an enchanting folklore show, celebrating the rich heritage of the region.

After this memorable evening, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Dubrovnik.

After breakfast, we leave Dubrovnik to explore the charming town of Ston, famed for its impressive medieval walls and ancient salt pans. As we wander through the old town, we’ll learn about the rich history and significance of salt production that has sustained the area for centuries.

Next, we make our way to the picturesque oyster bay, where we indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the region’s renowned fresh seafood.

In the afternoon, we embark on a scenic drive across the Pelješac Peninsula, a region celebrated for its exceptional wines and stunning landscapes. Upon reaching the coast, we board the ferry to Korcula Island, the legendary birthplace of Marco Polo.

Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy an orientation walk through the enchanting old town, where centuries of history and culture come to life through its charming streets and historic architecture. The evening is free for you to explore at your leisure and enjoy dinner on your own in one of Korcula’s inviting restaurants.

Korcula is one of the best-preserved islands with medieval towns in the Mediterranean, inspiring travelers for centuries.

Start the day with a guided city tour of Korcula Town, exploring its narrow streets and rich history. Afterward, enjoy a delightful wine tasting accompanied by traditional Dalmatian snacks at a charming local winery.

The rest of the day is yours to relax at leisure—perhaps take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, savor a dinner of your choice in the town of Korcula. 

After breakfast, we board a high-speed ferry for a 1-hour transfer to Hvar town on Hvar Island. Upon arrival, we are greeted by a local guide for a short city tour, where we will explore the town’s 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress, and the main square dominated by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral. Following the tour, enjoy some free time to explore Hvar at your leisure and have lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, we take another high-speed ferry to Split. Arriving in Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, we will visit the UNESCO-protected Roman Emperor’s Palace, the heart of the city’s origins. After check-in at our hotel, enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel restaurant.

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Split, including a visit to the remarkable Diocletian Palace, the largest and best-preserved Roman palace in the world. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Split’s Old Town, where Roman architecture dominates. Explore the Roman Peristyle, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Temple of Jupiter, guarded by a headless black sphinx.

Afterward, enjoy some free time in Split. Later, prepare for an adventure driving the iconic Supermini, a classic FICO old-timer from Yugoslavia (either on your own or with a driver). In the evening, savor Dalmatian cuisine at a local restaurant. 

After breakfast, we travel from Split to Plitvice National Park. Plitvice National Park, located in central Croatia, is the country’s largest and oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its stunning chain of 16 terraced lakes, interconnected by waterfalls and set within a lush forest landscape. The park spans nearly 300 square kilometers and features wooden walkways and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its breathtaking scenery.

After a day of exploration, we will check into our hotel and unwind before gathering later in the evening for dinner.

After breakfast, drive through the picturesque Lika region, stopping for a leisurely lunch en route. Arrive in Opatija and check in to your lovely hotel, which boasts a private beach and direct access to the famous 12 km long scenic seafront promenade.

Enjoy some free time to explore Opatija at your own pace.

In the evening, dinner is on your own to discover the local culinary delights.

Today, immerse yourself in the essence of Istria. Istria is the largest green oasis of the North Adriatic, known for its lush pine forests, green macchia, and stunning coastline. The region is famous for its olives, wine, and truffles, making it one of Croatia’s most visited destinations. Rovinj, with a history dating back to the 5th century, is a romantic coastal city renowned for its preserved heritage. The old town is perched on a headland, with tightly packed houses that cascade down to the seafront. A walk through its maze of cobbled streets leads to the hilltop church of St. Euphemia, offering beautiful views of the nearby islands.

Begin with a tasting of various brandies, liqueurs, and rakija, experiencing the region’s rich distilling tradition. Afterward, head to Rovinj, a romantic coastal town steeped in history. Enjoy a unique Batana rowing boat trip around the ancient urban center, offering a scenic view of the town’s charming waterfront.

Next, visit a small family farm for an authentic olive oil tasting, accompanied by traditional Istrian snacks. After this delightful experience, return to Opatija for a relaxing dinner in your hotel restaurant. 

Today, we explore Zagreb, the vibrant capital of Croatia. Our city tour begins with a walk through the charming downtown promenade, leading us to the historic Upper Town. We’ll visit Kaptol Square, home to the monumental Zagreb Cathedral, and continue to Kravi Most before arriving at St. Mark’s Square, dominated by the famous St. Mark’s Church with its colorful roof and the Parliament building. Along the way, we’ll pass the 17th-century Jesuit Church of St. Catherine and conclude our tour at Ban Jelacic Square, Zagreb’s central hub, where you’ll have free time to explore.

After checking in to your hotel, enjoy some leisure time in the capital before gathering for a farewell dinner. For some guests, this dinner will mark the end of the trip, as they may not continue with the Slovenia extension.

After breakfast, its time to bid farewell to Croatia. You will be transferred to Zagreb Airport for your flight home.